Connection woes

I am using Windows98SE, with free AVG7, Adaware, Spybot Search & Destroy and Zone Alarm. I have Outlook Express6 and use TescoNet for my ISP.

I can be working fine, then suddenly although the TescoNet Dial Up box says I am still connected, I cannot connect to a web site or send/receive emails. The phone line is completely dead (no noises like when you phone a fax number).

I've tried Internet Explorer Repair, running AVG, Adaware and Spybot, but nothing has shown up. I've shut down ZoneAlarm and Avg, but it still does it. I've queried this with TescoNet, but they say it's not them.

Hi, start by checking simplest things first, check actual physical connections within pc and the tele connection point. Check the fitting of modem - remove & replace making sure of a good fit. Check the actual cable phone to modem, try another cable. Then get your phone line checked.

You probably have a poor phone line. During voice calls we often ignore crackles and other line noise. Modems are more particular and will often interpret crackles as part of the traffic or pauses as the end of the transmission. This can cause them to shut down.

Usually, all you have to do is close the dial-up connection and start it up again.

Do check that your connections aren't wobbly or loose where the phone line plugs into the wall and into your computer.

Sometimes, other people picking up another phone extension can cause this.

Also, having more that 4 phones (including the modem) on one line causes problems.